Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes, and one of the most popular for its location within Michigan’s Ludington State Park, a popular summer getaway. The light stands on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and requires a two-mile hike (or bicycle ride) across sandy terrain or through the nearby woods. The light was first lit in 1867. The original lens has since been removed, but a 300-millimeter plastic lantern continues to shine from the 112-foot tower. Kenny G is a contemporary smooth jazz saxophonist and the most commercially-successful and well-known artist in the genre. His albums have sold more than 48 million copies in the United States alone. Kenny

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Key West Lighthouse

Key West Lighthouse

Built in 1847, the Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country. In order to reduce the threat of hurricanes, which had destroyed the previous lighthouse at Key West, this tower was placed a half-mile inland. As the surrounding trees grew, along with the city of Key West, the tower needed to be heightened twice– once in 1873 and again in 1895. The light was deactivated in 1969. Today, visitors can climb the tower, which is still tall enough to see across the Key West Historic District and out to sea. The lighthouse grounds also include a restored keeper’s quarters, which now functions as a museum. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary

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Marblehead Lighthouse

Marblehead Lighthouse

Ohio’s Marblehead Lighthouse on Lake Erie is the oldest and one of the most popular lighthouses on the Great Lakes. This lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1822, and, like many, has undergone several transformations in its history. Visitors to the original lighthouse would have seen a rougher limestone tower, ten feet shorter, and a clear fresnel lens lit with a whale oil lantern. Today, a green lens sets the tower’s electric light apart from nearby air beacons. Now completely automated with modern technology, the light is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard and open to the public. Nearby, sightseers can also visit the stone home of the original lighthouse keeper, Benejah Wolcott, a Revolutionary

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Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Situated at the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a destination for anyone seeking great scenery and outdoor recreation, year-round. Settled as a successful copper mining town in the mid-1800s, Copper Harbor is home to the oldest lighthouse on Lake Superior, Copper Harbor Light, built in 1848. The harbor itself is also significant for its ferry route to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park, an island 50 miles away. This eScapes video features a scenic view from a vantage point atop nearby Brockway Mountain. Here, sightseers can absorb a panoramic view of the harbor, the surrounding forests, and the buildings of downtown. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums

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Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

Michigan’s Old Presque Isle Lighthouse was first lit on Lake Huron in 1840 to mark a natural harbor important to Great Lakes steamships. In the early 19th century, the harbor was a refuge for ships escaping storms and a source of wood for ship engines. Years later, the lighthouse was deemed an insufficient aid to ships and a New Presque Isle Lighthouse was built at the opposite end of the same peninsula. Additionally, a pair of range lights was added to the harbor entrance. Now a public park and museum, visitors can view a restoration of the keeper’s house, learn about the site’s history, climb the original tower, and, of course, tell ghost stories (Old Presque

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Umhlanga Beach, South Africa

Umhlanga Beach, South Africa

For eScapes’ 1000th produced episode, we take you to Umhlanga Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the South African coast. Here, a beautiful beach lends itself to fishing, swimming, and surfing, while nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions offer even more reasons to visit. Whale- and dolphin-watching excursions often launch from Uhmlanga while freighters pass in the distance. The beach’s lighthouse, featured in this video, was built in 1954 and has become an icon of the beach and harbor. Administered by a nearby hotel, the lighthouse has never had a traditional lighthouse keeper. The word “Umhlanga” means “Place of Reeds” in the Zulu language. The sound of the “hl” is similar to the Welsh “ll”

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Duluth Canal Lighthouses at Sunrise

Duluth Canal Lighthouses at Sunrise

The Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin is the busiest bulk cargo port on the Great Lakes. But, in the early hours of the day, the waterfront becomes a therapeutic escape from the frantic activity of the rest of the day. The entrance to the Duluth-Superior ship canal is marked by two historic lighthouses: the Duluth North Pierhead Light and the Duluth South Breakwater Light. The southern light has served the port’s freighters since 1874, but the narrowness of the canal and frequent foggy conditions necessitated a second light to the north, first lit in 1910. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band

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Point Cabrillo Lighthouse (Sunset)

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse (Sunset)

Watch full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ Xumo LifeStyle Channel #452 The Point Cabrillo Light Station, located in Mendocino County, California, is a California State Historic Park. The lighthouse indeed has a long and interesting history. First lit in 1909, it was a guide for a record number of ships carrying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after its 1906 earthquake. It later adopted new technology when it became a monitoring station for the now-defunct LORAN electronic navigation system. Since its construction, the lighthouse has been maintained by a variety of owners and keepers, and is now owned by California State Parks and managed by the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. The

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South Haven Lighthouse

South Haven Lighthouse

South Haven, Michigan is known for its harbor on Lake Michigan, and its harbor is known for its South Pierhead Lighthouse. Since 1903, this lighthouse has stood on the lakeshore, but not always with its distinctive appearance. The lighthouse was originally painted white, and had a wooden walkway instead of the black metal catwalk of today. Before 1903, a completely different wooden lighthouse stood in its place. The elevated walkway allows access to the lighthouse in severe weather. As this eScapes video demonstrates, rough conditions at the light can be dangerous, but also amazingly beautiful. Strong winds off Lake Michigan create a spectacular show of waves crashing onto the pier, sometimes even riding above the 35-foot

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Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Little Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan was first lit in 1874 and is one of Michigan’s most picturesque lighthouses. Not only is the lighthouse itself striking with its natural brick exterior, but the surrounding natural setting is beautiful as well, featuring sand dunes, a pristine beach, and a forest. The tower’s brick complements the landscape well, but it has only been exposed for part of the light’s career. From 1900 to 1977, the tower was painted white to make it more visible to mariners. Little Sable Point Lighthouse is now on the ground of Silver Lake State Park, and despite its secluded location, is a popular destination for beachgoers during the summer months. John Tesh

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